ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
President's Secretariat
President of India to visit Odisha and Andhra Pradesh from February 19 to 22
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind will visit Odisha and Andhra Pradesh from February 19 to 22, 2022.
On February 20, 2022, the President will inaugurate the three-year long celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Srimad Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad, the founder of Gaudiya Math and Mission in Puri.
On February 21, 2022, the President will witness the Fleet Review and Flypast at Visakhapatnam. The President of India as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces reviews the Indian Naval Fleet once in his/her term as part of the ‘President’s Fleet Review’.
Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Online registration for admission begins at NSTIW Kazhakuttom
National Training Institute for Women , Kazhakuttom, Thiruvananthapuram has begun the online registration for admission from 2021 July 12 for the courses under Craftsman Training Scheme  2021-22 batch. The last date of online registration is 2021 July 30.
(For registration and more details visit websites: https://nstiwtrivandrum.dgt.gov.in and www.nimionlineadmission.in. Phone: 8089973646, 6282801343, and 9744547846.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
Incentivising Sectors to Empower Women
The Government implements several schemes for promoting employment and entrepreneurship, under which majority of beneficiaries are women. This includes Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-up India, Skill India etc. Further, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises  implements a major credit-linked subsidy programme named Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme  for generating employment in the Country by setting up of micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector. Under PMEGP, general category beneficiaries can avail of margin money subsidy of 25% of the project cost in rural areas and 15% in urban areas. For beneficiaries belonging to special categories such as scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, OBCs, minorities, women, ex-servicemen, physically handicapped, beneficiaries belonging to North Eastern Region, hill and border areas, etc., the margin money subsidy is 35% in rural areas and 25% in urban area. Further, Under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural livelihood Mission , collateral free loan upto Rs 20 lakh is provided for women self help groups, resulting in financial inclusion of women and their economic empowerment.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
We pay homage to those greats who gave us our Constitution: PM
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to those greats who gave us the Constitution and reiterated the commitment to fulfil their vision for the nation.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"Today, on Constitution Day, we pay homage to those greats who gave us our Constitution and reiterate our commitment to fulfil their vision for our nation."
Prime Minister's Office
PM commends 106-year-old Shyam Saran Negi for exercising his vote
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has praised 106-year-old Shyam Saran Negi, for exercising his right to franchise for the 34th time.
The Prime Minister tweeted:
“This is commendable and should serve as an inspiration for the younger voters to take part in the elections and strengthen our democracy”
Ministry of Education
Online interactive M.Tech Programme can be pursued with IIT, Madras from workplace
IIT Madras offers Online-interactive M.Tech Programme to be pursued from the workplace. Candidates from those industries, which are approved by IIT Madras and have necessary infrastructure to support the programme, are eligible to apply. Selection is done through test/interview and those selected register for courses, attend classes regularly through online, two-way connectivity and earn credits. Examinations are conducted by the Institute and necessary supervision and evaluation is done by the IIT faculty. Candidates earning required credits are awarded degrees. There is no difference between the degrees awarded to regular students and those pursuing it from their workplaces. Candidates can use the Institute Labs for performing experiments, if the curriculum so demands. In cases where the curriculum is designed for a particular industry wherein the candidates are already familiar with the practical aspects, the laboratory is not insisted in the curriculum. However, all enrolled candidates make at least one visit spanning a week-end for interaction with the course teachers.
This information was given by the Minister of State , Dr. Satya Pal Singh today in a written reply to a Rajya Sabha question.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
Minimum Funded Scheme For Start-Ups
Ministry of MSME already has a scheme in the form of Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises for providing guarantees in respect of credit facilities extended by Lending Institutions to the borrowers in micro and small sector including the small start-ups and new enterprises.
Setting up of a new MSME does not require any approval from Ministry of MSME. Ministry has its Field Offices in the States/UTs to implement the schemes of the Ministry and to provide handholding support to the MSMEs.
This information was given by Union Minister for MSME Shri Narayan Rane in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Sh. Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister and Sh. Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister  inaugurates the 6th Bn ITBP Headquarter, Jalalpur , Bihar
Newly built 6th Battalion ITBP Headquarter of Jalalpur in Bihar has been inaugurated by Sh. Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister and Sh. Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister, Bihar today. Sh. Sushil Kumar Modi, Dy. Chief Minister, Bihar, Sh Rajiv Pratap Rudy, MP, Sh Janardan Singh Sigriwal, MP, Sh Janak Ram, MP, Sh Om Prakash Yadav, MP and many MLAs and MLCs were present on the occasion.
Sh R K Pachnanda, DG ITBP welcomed the eminent guests and described the efforts being made by Ministry of Home Affairs  for the modernisation of ITBP and efforts for improving working conditions for the force personnel.
Sh. Rajnath Singh lauded the ITBP for the duties performed by the elite force in the country and abroad and said that the ITBP has been working in the tough conditions of the Himalayan Region. He also said that whenever any challenging task has been assigned to the ITBP, the Himveers have performed it honestly and extraordinarily. The MHA has been continuously monitoring the process of providing modern equipment to the ITBP and government is looking forward for the welfare of families of the jawans and NOKs of the martyrs. Sh. Singh hoped that with the establishment of newly built battalion in Chhapra will speed up the development process of the area and will be helpful in providing various job opportunities to the local youth.
Sh. Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar said that establishing new ITBP Battalion in Chhapra is a new beginning in the development of the area. He promised ITBP for providing best possible support by the state Government. Expressing happiness on establishment of the ITBP Battalion in Chhapra, CM hoped that more local youth would be motivated to join the security forces, specially ITBP. Terming the event historic, Sh. Shushil Kumar Modi, Dy CM said that the newly built campus of the ITBP will be a great resource for the local administration in the times of need.
Sh. Rajnath Singh also awarded 08 personnel of ITBP for bravery. Sh. Rakesh Kumar, Dy. Commandant, Inspector Jitender Kumar, Head Constable Sukhdev Donkari, Contable Mahesh Kumar, and Constable Amit Negi have been awarded for gallant action against Naxals in Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. Head Constable Sujan Singh was awarded for brave fire fight at Indian Consulate in Mazar-E-Sharif, Afghanistan while Head Constable Narendra Kumar and Constable Biman Biswas were awarded for saving life of fellow mountaineer during Mount Dhaulagiri Expedition of the Force.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Repair, Rehabilitation, Reconstruction of existing NHs including old and distressed bridges is taken up on an annual basis following a well established system of construction/maintenance protocol for periodical assessment of physical condition of bridges
Consultant engaged by MoRTH for development of Bridge Management System  for NHs by May 2024
Maintenance and development of National Highways  including bridges thereon is a continuous process. Accordingly, repair / rehabilitation / reconstruction of existing NHs including old/ distressed bridges thereon are taken up on annual basis. Repair / rehabilitation / reconstruction of old / distressed bridges are taken up either on standalone basis or as part of improvement/ upgradation of a section of National Highway. The repair / rehabilitation treatment are decided based on nature and extent of different distresses, functional requirement, present loading vis-à-vis loading for which a particular bridge was designed, etc.
The bidding documents for procurement of contractor/concessionaire for NH projects under different modes of implementation  clearly specify the technical and financial qualification requirements of the bidders. Such qualification requirements are decided based on cost and size of NH projects including specific project components like bridges / tunnels. Further, to ensure construction of roads as per standards and specifications laid down in contract/concession agreement and to avoid project delays, Ministry vide circular dated 06.10.2021 and dated 04.01.2022 has issued SOP to debar/penalize/declare as Non-Performer the contractor/concessionaire in NHs and other centrally sponsored road projects.
Year of construction/ approximate age of a bridge is generally known except some old bridges. Ministry follow a well-established system of inspection/maintenance protocol for periodical assessment of physical condition of bridges. Indian Roads Congress  has published manual / detailed guidelines for inspection and condition survey of bridges. MoRT&H has also issued guidelines for this purpose. MoRT&H has collected inventory and condition data of all bridges on National Highways between 2015 to 2019. Bridge inspection was principally carried out using Mobile Bridge Inspection unit for close access to different critical components of the bridges. Recently, MoRT&H has engaged a consultant for development of Bridge Management System  for NHs by May, 2024. The BMS will provide an online platform for monitoring health of all bridges on NHs in the country.
This information was given by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
MJPS
(Visitor Counter : 607
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Utilisation of Funds under JJM
Jal Jeevan Mission  is being implemented in partnership with States since August, 2019 to make provision of potable tap water supply to every rural household of the country, including those in Malda district of West Bengal, by 2024.
At the time of announcement of Jal Jeevan Mission, more than 19 thousand rural households were reported to have tap water connections in Malda district. So far, around 1.64 lakh households have been provided with tap water connections in last 35 months. Thus, as on 03.08.2022, out of 6.51 lakh rural households, around 1.83 lakh  households are reported to have tap water supply in their homes.
Water being State subject, district-wise fund allocations is not made and maintained by this department. However, details of Central fund allocated, fund drawn and fund utilization reported by the State of West Bengal under Jal Jeevan Mission in 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 & 2022-23  is as under:

|
|
Year
|
|
Central share
|
|
Expenditure under State share
|
|
Opening Balance
|
|
Allocation
|
|
Fund drawn by the State
|
|
Total fund available
|
|
Reported utilization
|
|
2019-20
|
|
760.82
|
|
995.33
|
|
994.75
|
|
1,755.57
|
|
609.00
|
|
445.03
|
|
2020-21
|
|
1,146.58
|
|
1,614.18
|
|
807.08
|
|
1,953.66
|
|
1,196.07
|
|
641.17
|
|
2021-22
|
|
757.58
|
|
6,998.97
|
|
1,404.61
|
|
2,162.19
|
|
1,547.52
|
|
725.77
|
|
2022-23
|
|
614.67
|
|
6,180.25
|
|
ND
|
|
614.67
|
|
64.77
|
|
487.31
Source: JJM, IMIS ND: Not drawn
As reported by the State, year-wise status of tap water connections provided under JJM in Malda district of West Bengal is as under:
|
|
Year
|
|
Tap water connections provided
|
|
2019-20
|
|
4,708
|
|
2020-21
|
|
56,510
|
|
2021-22
|
|
72,006
|
|
2022-23|
|
30,379as on 03.08.2022
The number of tap connections provided in 2021-22 in Malda is more than the number of connections provided in 2020-21.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Development of North-East Region
Celebration of North East Festival, as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav with theme the “Role of Women in development of North East
Today Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission R.D department and department of Social Welfare and Social Education Government of Tripura has jointly organised “North East Festival as a part of Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav under the ageis of MoDONER, with theme “Role of Women in development of North East.”
The programme was inaugurated by the dignitaries of different departments of Govt. of India and Tripura, Smt Pratima Bhowmik, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma Deputy CM, Govt. of Tripura, Smt Santana Chakma Minister for Social Welfare and Social Education Govt. of Tripura, Air Marshal, Shri, Anjan Kumar Gogoi, Member NECC, Shri A. Roy Secretary of Planning and Coordination Department, Govt. of Tripura, Smt. Antara Sarkar Deb, Zila Sabhadipati West Tripura, Shri. Debapriya Bardhan DM& Collector West Tripura, and Smt. Barnali Goswami Chairperson of Tripura Commission for Women.
The programme mainly focused on recognition of women who have significantly contributed in socio-economic development of North East India. A total of 19 women achiever North Eastern states have been awarded. Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission has also launched a book containing 50 success stories of rural women, who are contributing towards building the rural economy.
One achiever from each of the states has shared their encouraging journey, how they are contributing and making impact on the society which was enlightening and encouraging for other women of the country.
Beside these, another 56 women achievers from Tripura have also been facilitated for their significant contribution in socio-economic empowerment from different department of Govt. of Tripura. The North East Festival has also been organised and celebrated across the state by community level organisation like SHG Village Organisations , Cluster Level Federations , by organising event on women and child development, entrepreneurship development especially women farmer and entrepreneur.
Prime Minister's Office
PM praises Ngurang Learning Institute for installing Free Library Station in various districts of Arunachal Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has lauded Ngurang Learning Institute for installing Free Library Station in various districts of Arunachal Pradesh.
Replying to a tweet by the Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijuju, the Prime Minister tweeted :
"Commendable effort."
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Judicious use of Water can save India from future calamities-Shekhawat
WAPCOS organizes-“Our River, Our Future” and “Plant Tree, Save Life”
Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat today said that India is one of the most vulnerable country in terms of water availability and population explosion has added more to the problem. Speaking at the Pre-Golden Jubilee Celebrations at ChhathGhat, ITO, New Delhi, he said that every drop of water should be saved and conserved and all should make a combined effort for judicious use of water on a continuous mode.
Shri Shekhawat said that India had achieved the distinction of a food exporting country from being a food deficient nation, but scarcity of water in near future can worsen the situation and hence there is need for revival of traditional water bodies and more vigorous effort should be made for water conservation.
Complimenting WAPCOS, Shri Shekhawat said that that the organization had not only taken path breaking developmental activities, but also came forward in a big way to take up challenging social issues. He said, from conceptualization to completion is the motto of WAPCOS.
Minister of State for Jal Shakti Shri Rattan Lal Kataria said that like Swachh Bharat Mission launched on 2nd October 2014, which became a people’s movement, piped water scheme will also achieve the same success as Prime Minister is fully committed to achieve this goal.
Speaking on the occasion, CMD, WAPCOS, Shri R.K.Gupta said that WAPOCOS is a leading technology driven consultancy and EPC organization with strong global presence in the fields of water, Power and Infrastructure Sectors. WAPCOS has successfully completed/on-going consultancy assignments in countries covering Asia, Africa, Middle East, South America and Pacific Island and is operating in more than 47 Countries, at present.
Later on, the Union Ministers and Secretary, Shri U.P.Singh were joined by hundreds of volunteers, NGO members, common men and employees of WAPCOS in cleaning four Ghats-ChhathGhat,ShyamGhat, QudeisaGhat and YamneshwarGhat at Yamuna bed and plantation of trees to match the motto of WAPCOS- “Our River, Our Future” and “Plant Tree, save life”.
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SNC
(Visitor Counter : 1098
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
NHAI Launches ‘Rajmargyatra’ a Unified Mobile Application for National Highway Users
The National Highways Authority of India  takes a significant stride towards improving the highway user experience with the launch of 'Rajmargyatra,' a citizen-centric unified mobile application. This user-friendly app is now available for download on both Google Play Store and iOS App Store, empowering travelers with comprehensive information on Indian National Highways while also offering an efficient complaint redressal system. The app is currently available in Hindi and English.
Key Features of 'Rajmargyatra' App:
- Comprehensive Highway Information: 'Rajmargyatra' serves as a one-stop repository of essential information for National Highway users. Get real-time weather conditions, timely broadcast notifications, and access to details about nearby toll plazas, petrol pumps, hospitals, hotels, and other essential services that ensure a seamless and safe journey on National Highways.
- Hassle-Free Complaint Redressal: The app comes equipped with an inbuilt complaint redressal and escalation mechanism. Users can easily report highway-related issues, attaching geo-tagged videos or photos for better clarity. The registered complaints will be handled in a time-bound manner, with system-generated escalations to higher authorities in case of any delays. Users can also track the status of their grievances for complete transparency.
- Seamless FASTag Services: 'Rajmargyatra' integrates its services with various bank portals, making it convenient for users to recharge their FASTags, avail monthly passes, and access other FASTag-related banking services – all within a single platform.
- Over-speeding notifications and voice-assistance to encourage responsible and safe driving behavior.
With these improvements, 'Rajmargyatra' aims to create a seamless, user-friendly experience for highway users, fostering a safer and more enjoyable journey on Indian National Highways.
Android link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nhai.rajmargyatra&hl=en_US
iOS link:
https://apps.apple.com/in/app/rajmargyatra/id6449488412
President's Secretariat
President of India to pay tributes to Bhagwan Birsa Munda at Ulihatu and address a Janjatiya Samagam at Shahdol on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will visit Ulihatu village in Jharkhand – the birth place of Bhagwan Birsa Munda tomorrow  to pay her respects before the statue of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. On the same day, she will address a Janjatiya Samagam at Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, being organised by the Government of Madhya Pradesh, on the occasion of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. In the evening, the President will also attend the civic reception to be hosted in her honour at Raj Bhavan, Bhopal and virtually lay the foundation stones for projects of Union Ministries of Defence and Road Transport and Highways.
On November 16, 2022, the President will grace and address a Women’s Self-Help Groups Sammelan in Bhopal, before returning to Delhi.
Ministry of Science & Technology
International Science Film Festival of India comes to a close
IISF-2020
A total of 20 films have bagged awards at the International Science Film Festival of India  2020, which was held as part of the sixth India International Science Festival 2020 held from December 22-25. Six films bagged the awards for the international categories and 14 for the national categories.
In the international categories, the award winners include a film in English titled `The Insect Rescuer’, produced by ZDF and directed by Andreas Ewels of Germany ; and a film in Persian titled `Night Nurse’ produced by Hasan Rahmani and directed by Ashkan Hatami of Iran .
The other winners in foreign categories are: a film in English titled `A natural code’, produced and directed by Cristina Ceuca of U.K.; a film in English titled `iRony’, produced by Radheya Jegatheva and Jay Jay Jegathesan and directed by Radheya Jegatheva of Australia; and a film with no dialogue titled `Keep Your Smile’ produced and directed by Hassan Mokhtari of Iran  and a film in Italian titled `Chemical Industries vs COVID-19’ produced and directed by Vittorio Caratozzolo & Class 3 A .
The awards for Indian films were presented under two classifications - Independent filmmakers and college/school students.
The winners among Independent filmmakers include a film in English titled `The Trials and Triumphs of G.N.Ramachandran’ produced by Vivek Kannadi and directed by Rahul Iyer , a film in Hindi titled `Raja, Rani aur Virus’ produced by Beacon Television and directed by Seema Muralidhara .
Among other winners, a film in Malayalam titled `Return of The Holy Grain’, produced and directed by G.S.Unnikrishnan Nair; a film in English titled `Worth Their Salt’ produced by Vigyan Prasar and directed by Seema Muralidhara and H.B.Muralidhara; a film in English titled `Humans vs Corona’ produced and directed by Anshul Sinha; and a film with no dialogue titled `My Mom’ produced by Dark Room Studio and directed by Rakesh Moirangthem, bagged the Jury Awards.
Besides, a film in Tamil titled `If Everybody be like this...!’ produced and directed by Rajkumar; a film in English titled `Mangroves: Nature’s Hardy Foot Soldiers’ produced by Educational Multimedia Research Centre, Calicut and directed by Sajeed Naduthody; and a film in Malayalam titled `The Cheruvayal Raman Effect’ produced and directed by G.S.Unnikrishnan Nair got `Jury Special Mention’.
The winners among college/school students include a film in English titled ` Croaking Frogs’ produced and directed by Aditya and a film in Hindi titled `Catching The Sun’ produced by Nilambar Pathak and Karunesh Singh and directed by Rahul Kumar ; a film in Hindi titled `Can Break Cancer’ produced and directed by Neelu Sharma  and a film in Hindi titled `Mask’ produced and directed by Santu Kumar and a film in English titled `Corona At Doorstep’ produced by Raghul M.R. and directed by Moumita Mazumdar .
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the loss of lives in fire incident in Madhya Pradesh
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the deaths due to a fire incident in Madhya Pradesh. He also prayed for the early recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted :
"मध्य प्रदेश के इंदौर में हुआ अग्निकांड अत्यंत दुखद है। इस त्रासदी में जान गंवाने वाले लोगों के परिजनों के प्रति मैं गहरी संवेदनाएं व्यक्त करता हूं। इसके साथ ही सभी घायलों के जल्द स्वास्थ्य लाभ की कामना करता हूं: PM @narendramodi"